In this episode of Born to Build, Sam speaks with Lisa Aspeling, a serial entrepreneur and marketing strategist, about the importance of storytelling in branding, the process of crafting a clear brand story, and the significance of building trust with customers. Lisa shares her insights on creating engaging content that resonates with audiences, the innovative journey of launching the Flower Cafe during the pandemic, and the essential elements of building a content strategy for SMEs. They also discuss common pitfalls in branding, the future impact of AI on human connection, and the value of community through initiatives like Founders Cafe.

Chapters:

(00:00) The Power of Storytelling in Business

(06:12) Crafting a Clear Brand Story

(12:44) Building Trust and Brand Strength

(18:33) Creating Scroll-Stopping Content

(26:38) Performance Techniques in Marketing

(28:21) Authenticity in Branding

(31:27) Innovative Solutions During Crisis

(36:00) Building a Content Strategy

(38:24) Common Pitfalls for SMEs

(41:20) The Future of AI and Human Connection

(46:22) Creating Community Through Founders Cafe

(52:05) Rapid Fire Insights

https://anagomarketing.co.za

About the podcast:

Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.

In this episode of Born to Build, Sam speaks with Fabio Rappenecker, co-founder and CEO of TenX Nutrition, a social enterprise in Kenya that is transforming the traditional street snack, Mandazi, into a nutritious food option to combat malnutrition. Fabio shares his journey from Germany to Kenya, the challenges of bootstrapping a startup, and the importance of understanding local culture and consumer needs. The conversation delves into the innovative approach of fortifying Mandazi with essential nutrients, the strategies for distribution, and the metrics for measuring impact. Fabio emphasizes the significance of nutrition security and the potential for future product expansion, all while providing valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to TenX nutrition and its mission
(01:08) Fabio's journey to Kenya and passion for nutrition
(03:10) Transforming mandazi: a traditional snack into a nutritional powerhouse
(06:48) Nutritional balance and market viability of Mandazi Power
(10:02) Understanding nutrition security vs. food security
(11:46) Distribution strategies: roadside shops and consumer engagement
(14:42) Initial market entry and growth strategies
(18:47) Team dynamics and cultural integration in Kenya
(22:26) Bootstrapping challenges and scaling confidence
(24:20) Expansion plans and operational logistics
(26:33) Measuring impact: success metrics for TenX nutrition
(28:44) Future aspirations: expanding product lines
(31:07) Advice for entrepreneurs: embrace action and learning
(32:35) Rapid fire questions and closing thoughts

https://tenxnutrition.com/

About Born to Build:

Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.

What does it take to turn a passion for design and craftsmanship into a thriving business? In this episode of Born to Build, we sit down with Wayne Ballard, founder of Coastal Kitchens in Cape Town. Wayne shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a bespoke kitchen and furniture business that is trusted and admired. We dig into the early struggles, the big wins, the importance of craft, and the lessons that keep him pushing forward. If you are an entrepreneur or dream of starting something of your own, Wayne's story will inspire you to keep building.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction and Wayne's backstory
(00:40) Starting Coastal Kitchens and early vision
(06:41) Business challenges and defining moments
(12:20) How the design process works
(16:08) What makes a bespoke kitchen special
(23:38) Memorable client projects
(31:43) Lessons in leadership and resilience
(32:00) Future vision for Coastal Kitchens
(34:15) What keeps Wayne motivated
(36:20) Rapid fire questions

https://coastal-kitchens.co.za

About Born to Build:

Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.

What does it take to leave a career in public health and build one of Africa's fastest-growing online schools? In this episode of Born to Build, Lauren Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Koa Academy, shares the bold vision, creative grit, and practical steps behind reimagining modern education. From early funding wins to smashing myths about online learning, Lauren takes us inside the journey of scaling Koa to 700 students while keeping the learner experience at the heart of every decision. Whether you are building a school, a startup, or your next big idea, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger and build smarter.

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome and guest introduction
(00:55) From public health to starting an online school
(06:50) Founding Koa and the meaning behind the name
(08:27) Reimagining modern education
(14:09) A day in the life of a Koa student
(18:35) Busting myths about online schooling
(23:07) Scaling to 700 students sustainably
(36:01) Securing venture capital funding
(37:34) Winning the 2023 MEST Africa challenge
(39:41) Overcoming the biggest challenges
(41:41) What's next for Koa
(44:10) Advice for entrepreneurs
(46:20) Rapid fire questions

Find them online: https://www.koaacademy.com/

About Born to Build:

Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.

Sauna's are becoming a thing on Cape Town's shores. In this episode of Born to Build, we meet Jari Salminen, a Finnish-Canadian carpenter with sauna in his soul, who's heating up Cape Town's coast one wood-fired session at a time. Discover how Jari brought the deep-rooted Nordic sauna experience to South Africa's beaches, overcame unexpected business challenges, and built a brand that's as calming as it is bold. This is a story of culture, craft, and carving out a niche, literally.

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome and introduction
(00:45) Growing up with sawdust and sauna
(04:45) A family legacy sparks a fresh idea
(10:09) Designing and building the mobile sauna
(14:20) Bringing Finnish sauna culture to South Africa
(17:39) Choosing beach locations and weekly rhythm
(20:48) The wellness benefits of heat and cold
(26:09) Cold plunges and personal extremes
(28:08) Overcoming business challenges
(32:39) Busting sauna myths and best customer moments
(36:31) Vision for the future and expansion
(37:35) Where to find and follow ShuShu
(38:22) Rapid fire questions

Check them out here:

https://shushusauna.com

About Born to Build:

Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.

What starts as a sock obsession becomes a bold creative business. In this episode of Born to Build, Sam chats with Chelsey Wilson-Roos, founder of Feat., a Cape Town based brand known for its playful, design-led products inspired by South Africa's wild beauty. Chelsey shares the highs and hurdles of building Feat. into a joyful, local-first brand that stands out. Expect honest stories, thoughtful design, and practical lessons for anyone building something distinctive from the ground up.

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome and intro
(00:37) How a sock habit sparked a brand
(02:05) Choosing socks as a creative medium
(05:34) Why "dreamers and intrepid explorers"
(07:51) Playfulness, wonder and creative process
(10:15) Designing and producing locally
(12:40) Benefits and challenges of local manufacturing
(16:27) Managing inventory and rising costs
(20:02) Building relationships with stockists
(22:57) Becoming a husband-and-wife team
(26:45) Sharing roles in business and design
(29:27) Product design in line with your vision
(32:00) Customer stories that keep her going
(33:13) Products that spark conversation
(34:15) What it means to wear or gift Feat.
(38:10) Toughest decisions in scaling up
(37:25) What she'd do differently
(39:44) What’s next for Feat.
(41:49) Rapid fire questions

Check them out here: http://featsockco.com

About Born to Build:

Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time.

In this episode of Born to Build, I sit down with my sister Tabitha Mee to unpack her inspiring journey from side hustle to successful photography business owner. From launching Illuminate Photography to pivoting into Grand Little Adventure, Tabitha shares what it really takes to build a brand from the heart, navigate change, and keep showing up when the going gets tough. If you've ever thought about turning your creative calling into a full-time gig, this episode is packed with honest insight and hard-earned wisdom you won’t want to miss.

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome and introduction
(01:11) What sparked a love of photography
(03:25) The leap to full-time photography
(07:00) Building illuminate photography
(10:45) Challenges of wedding photography
(14:10) Why pivot to grand little adventure
(17:55) Shifting from weddings to families
(18:30) Branding pivots and understanding your niche
(22:10) Leveraging social media for marketing and building a brand
(23:30) Social media can be a drug - taking a break
(27:55) Lessons from brand and production shoots
(27:55) Balancing creative and commercial work
(32:40) Biggest challenges of running a solo business
(37:24) Advice for creatives going full-time
(41:45) Rapid fire questions

Check out Grand Little Adventure here: https://www.grandlittleadventure.com

About Born to Build:

Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time.

What does it take to build something that truly transforms lives - across health, family, addiction recovery, agriculture, and more? In this powerful episode of Born to Build, we sit down with the founder of Living Hope John Thomas to explore the spark behind a bold vision, the challenges of scaling a multi-faceted organisation, and the leadership values that have anchored it for decades. From stories of ground-level grit to long-term legacy planning, this conversation is a masterclass in building not just systems - but faith and hope.

(00:00) Intro and welcome
(00:50) A spark of purpose: the origins of Living Hope
(03:50) From one mission to many: growing the scope
(05:42) Lessons from the early days
(07:42) A hospice turns into a healthcare centre
(09:00) Building systems that don't break
(12:30) Listening to the needs of the community
(13:35) An inspiring story of how they bought land and a building in faith
(18:30) Leadership anchors that held through change
(22:00) Developing leaders from within
(26:45) "This is working": signs of real impact
(32:30) How has Living Hope impacted communities it serves?
(35:58) Facing opposition and staying the course
(39:03) The legacy play: succession done right
(45:36) Looking ahead: Living Hope in 2045
(51:35) Be sure of your vision

See more here: https://www.livinghope.co.za

About Born to Build:

Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time.

What does it take to leave a corporate career and build a business that transforms others? In this episode of Born to Build, we sit down with Terine Lott-Cupido, founder of EmpowerLink Services, an award-winning HR consultancy shaking up the SME space in South Africa. Terine shares the leap of faith that led her from multinational boardrooms to empowering entrepreneurs with the people, processes, and systems to scale. From navigating cultural shifts to winning accolades, surviving near-failure moments, and building a legacy - this is an unmissable deep dive into what it really takes to build a business that thrives on people-first principles.

Whether you're an SME owner, HR professional, or aspiring founder, Terine's insights on growth, mindset shifts, and purpose-driven leadership will leave you inspired, and equipped.

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome to Born to Build - meet Terine Lott-Cupido
(01:30) The moment HR became a calling for SMEs
(03:30) Taking the leap: the birth of EmpowerLink in 2017
(08:20) Client success story: how HR turned a business around
(11:32) People power: a defining moment that fuels Terine's passion
(15:40) Pitching your business
(19:53) From corporate to founder: the cultural mindset shift
(24:38) Milestone moments: awards, mentorship & team growth
(29:06) The dream under threat: a personal story of resilience
(32:25) The most counterintuitive SME lesson every founder should know
(34:39) Lessons from entrepreneurship training that still shape today
(38:00) The 5-year vision: building a legacy for family & community
(40:55) Advice to my 2016 self
(42:47) Rapid fire

https://www.empowerlinkservices.co.za

About Born to Build:

Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time.

What does it take to build a business that lasts three decades? In this episode of Born to Build, I sit down with Grant Gunston, founder of Gunstons Attorneys (now GSR Law), to unpack his 30-year journey of building a legal firm with heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to people. From the grind of starting out to navigating succession, Grant reveals the leadership lessons, personal growth, and defining moments that shaped his career. Plus, we explore his inspiring second chapter with the Development Action Group (DAG), where he’s channeling his experience into transformative social impact. If you want the blueprint for building with purpose, this episode is it.

Chapters:
(00:00) Meet Grant Gunston
(00:45) The origin story: why start a law firm?
(02:25) Crafting a vision: was It long-term?
(03:35) Winning the first clients & building credibility
(08:08) Early challenges: the Struggles of starting a legal practice
(10:00) In a tight spot
(14:00) Building teams: lessons in leadership and hiring
(17:45) Differentiating Gunstons: values, culture & unique Edge
(22:29) Growth pains: evolving from founder to leader
(27:25) Legacy & succession: building beyond the founder
(30:00) DAG: A new chapter in social impact
(36:20) Hardest part of building a business
(38:45) Quick fire either-or

About Born to Build:

Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time.

Check out GSR Law: https://gsrlaw.co.za